Elevate is one of three slates running in the Rideau River Residence Association’s (RRRA) 2020-21 executive election, scheduled for June 25 and 26. Mikaela Baumann is running for RRRA president, Vansuilian Vum is running for vice-president (administration) and Josh Matthews is running for vice-president (programming).
The Charlatan sat down with the running candidates to discuss their goals and campaign promises ahead of the election.
What previous experience do you have?
All three candidates served as residence fellows last year and said that experience would inform their term as RRRA executives.
“[Being a residence fellow gave] me an in-depth understanding of the logistics of the residence community at Carleton,” presidential candidate Baumann wrote in an email.
Baumann also started a mental health awareness group in high school, and volunteered for organizations like Variety Village and Pride Stables, which she said taught her the importance of promoting intersectionality in leadership positions.
Vice-president (administration) candidate Vum served as director of videography for the global and international student society and is currently the vice-president (advocacy) of Carleton’s Engineers Without Borders chapter.
“I firmly believe that it is my administrative skill set, passion for relationship building, and belief in and appreciation for our residents that makes me the right choice for students,” Vum wrote.
Vice-president (programming) candidate Matthews came to Carleton as a transfer student, which he said showed him how impactful the residence experience is.
Matthews worked with conference services to plan large events like the Prime Minister’s Youth Summit, in addition to “a magnitude of experience” coordinating logistics and events for non-profit groups.
Why are you running?
All Elevate candidates said they are running to improve RRRA for future students.
“I want to ensure sustainable and transparent leadership,” Baumann wrote. “RRRA has so much untapped potential that I would love to harness.”
“[Residence can be] a place for us to find our passions, strengths, and motivations as individuals in a complicated world,” Vum added.
Matthews said his passion for developing relationships inspired his candidacy.
“I am excited to bring RRRA to new heights by expanding our programming options to be inclusive of all students,” he said.
What are Elevate’s goals for RRRA in 2020-21?
The slate wants to “bring proportional representation” to council, and implement monthly town halls. The candidates also plan to hold monthly budget updates in council, as required by the association’s constitution.
These promises come after three RRRA bylaws were broken last year, with the budget passed more than three months late and the late formation of council committees.
“Elevate’s vision is a RRRA that is truly transparent and accountable,” a campaign email reads.
Elevate is also aiming to make VIA Rail more affordable for students, although the slate did not share how this would be accomplished.
If elected, how would Elevate serve residence students in this unprecedented time?
Elevate wants to host online programming, such as paint nights, with materials delivered to those living in residence.
The slate also plans to hold virtual workshops and add a feedback box on the RRRA website.
The 2020-21 RRRA executive election will take place June 25 and 26 via email, and an All Candidates debate will be held Wednesday at 6:30 pm ET.
Read the Charlatan’s profile of other slates here: Forward | Action
Featured image provided by Elevate slate.
